Those R body cop cars were excellent driving and handling cars. My father had one of those retired cop cars for several years. He had some good tires on it. That car would take corners with no fuss or drama. It just went where it was pointed! I was amazed at how well it handled. Later he had a 1986 Grand Fury cop car. It did not drive or handle as well as the 1981 model.

Dad's car was a 1981 if I recall correctly. It had a tired 318 in it, so it had very little power. We both thought the car needed a 440, but never swapped one into it. Dad's car had some very tough seat covers with rubber floor mats. It was very, very utilitarian. Mom did not like the car and hated to drive it or ride in it. That's the primary reason Dad let the car go.

In regards to the Pinto, I had one that was that same color, but it was a wagon. At the time I was a very poor college student who needed an ultra cheap car. My $100 Pinto did NOT improve my dating life!